An exploration of the relationship between indicators of the community of inquiry framework and retention in online programs

Boston, Wally; Diaz, Sebastian R.; Gibson, Angela M.; Ice, Phil; Richardson, Jennifer; Swan, Karen

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/18712 Copy

Description

Title

An exploration of the relationship between indicators of the community of inquiry framework and retention in online programs

Author(s)

• Boston, Wally
• Diaz, Sebastian R.
• Gibson, Angela M.
• Ice, Phil
• Richardson, Jennifer
• Swan, Karen

Issue Date

2009

Keyword(s)

• Online programs
• Community of inquiry
• UIS online
• Online education

Abstract

As the growth of online programs continues to rapidly accelerate, concern over retention is increasing. Models for understanding student persistence in the face-to-face environment are well established, however, the many of the variables in these constructs are not present in the online environment or they manifest in significantly different ways. With attrition rates significantly higher than in face-to-face programs, the development of models to explain online retention is considered imperative. This study moves in that direction by exploring the relationship between indicators of the Community of Inquiry Framework and student persistence. Analysis of over 28,000 student records and survey data demonstrates a significant amount of variance in re-enrollment can be accounted for by indicators of Social Presence.

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/18712

Owning Collections